Natalie Portman Celebrates Peace Between Israel and Gaza
On Monday, Israeli-American actress Natalie Portman expressed her enthusiasm regarding the recent peace prospects between Israel and Gaza. Speaking at the Lumière Film Festival in Lyon, France, she stated that this is “an important day,” as the two-year war between Israel and Hamas seems to be winding down with hostages being freed from Gaza.
“Today is a really important day as the war ends and we see the release and exchange of prisoners of war and hostages,” Portman, well-known for her role in “Star Wars,” remarked.
Former President Donald Trump recently facilitated a peace agreement between Israel and Hamas that commenced this week. The prisoner exchange began on Monday, featuring Hamas releasing the last 20 living hostages in return for Israel liberating about 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, according to sources. This exchange is part of Trump’s broader peace initiative aimed at stabilizing the region and beginning the process of rebuilding Gaza. So far, only four of the 28 hostages presumed dead have been recovered.
Portman received recognition for her film career at the festival and participated in a Q&A session following a screening of her acclaimed movie “Black Swan.” During this, festival director Thierry Frémaux inquired about her roots, prompting her to reflect on events in Israel.
“Well, I’m from Jerusalem, I was born in Jerusalem,” she shared, describing the day as very emotional. After calling it an “important day,” she added, “I almost feel crazy talking about anything other than celebrating peace — hopefully — peace.”
Previously, Portman conveyed her sorrow for Israel after the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, sharing on social media that her heart was “broken for the people of Israel.” She had expressed horror at the violence, stating, “Children, women, and the elderly were murdered and kidnapped from their homes,” and emphasized her love and prayers for affected families.
Additionally, she premiered her new animated film “Arco,” co-created with Sophie Mass, and underscored her aim to spread positivity through her projects. “I definitely feel the need to bring positivity to the world right now,” Portman acknowledged, adding that her recent productions, including “The Gallerist” and the upcoming “Good Sex,” lean towards comedy and lightheartedness.
